JAMES L. BAILEY, age 83 of Somerset, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Drews Place – Village Green, Hillsdale surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 9, 1942, in Addison, to R. Stuart and Edna (Woolace) Bailey. Jim graduated from Addison High School in 1960. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Cleary College. Jim married Joyce E. Lane on March 28, 1964, in Somerset. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2020. Jim was the founding partner of the accounting firm Bailey, Hodshire & Company in Jonesville. He was an active member of the Somerset Congregational Church, serving as Church Treasurer and singing in the choir, and was a long-time member of the Jonesville Rotary Club. Jim loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed bowling, antique toys (especially trains), playing cards and making/eating popcorn. Jim loved traveling with his wife, especially to B and B’s. He went to join his wife with the Lord on what would have been their 62nd wedding anniversary.
Jim is survived by two children, Hope (David) Anderson and Greg (Patti) Bailey; two grandchildren, Megan (Seth) Weber and Ryan (Sabrina) Bailey; three great grandchildren, Lily, Kira and Maverick. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, an infant son, a brother, Roger Bailey and his beloved dog, Lady.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care that Jim received at Drew’s Place over the past 3 ½ years, and also to Hospice of Hillsdale County for their assistance and compassion in the final months.
Private Graveside Services will be held at Somerset Cemetery in Somerset, Michigan, with Pastor Lucas Miller officiating. A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Somerset Congregational Church. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.brownvanhemert.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, Addison.